Carton for Containers

ABSTRACT

A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton can be configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, a top end having an open width in the open configuration and a closed width in the closed configuration, and a bottom end disposed opposite to the top end. The bottom end can have a bottom width. In the open configuration, the top end can be at least partially open and the plurality of panels can be positioned so that the open width of the top end is greater than the bottom width of the bottom end. In the closed configuration, the top end can be at least partially closed and the plurality of panels is positioned so that the closed width is less than the open width.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/727,148, filed on Sep. 5, 2018, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/700,534, filed on Jul. 19, 2018.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/675,323, filedon Dec. 31, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/727,148,filed on Sep. 5, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/700,534, filed on Jul. 19, 2018, are hereby incorporated by referencefor all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for holding beveragecontainers or other types of articles. More specifically, the presentdisclosure relates to cartons having a top-loading configuration with agusseted top portion and tapered sides.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a carton forholding a plurality of containers. The carton can be configurablebetween an open configuration and a closed configuration. The carton cancomprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around aninterior of the carton, a top end having an open width in the openconfiguration and a closed width in the closed configuration, and abottom end disposed opposite to the top end. The bottom end can have abottom width. In the open configuration, the top end can be at leastpartially open and the plurality of panels can be positioned so that theopen width of the top end is greater than the bottom width of the bottomend. In the closed configuration, the top end can be at least partiallyclosed and the plurality of panels is positioned so that the closedwidth is less than the open width.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank forforming a carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton canbe configurable between an open configuration and a closedconfiguration. The blank can comprise a plurality of panels and a topmarginal area for forming a top end when the carton is formed from theblank. The top end can have an open width in the open configuration anda closed width in the closed configuration when the carton is formedfrom the blank. The blank further can comprise a bottom marginal areafor forming a bottom end disposed opposite to the top end when thecarton is formed from the blank. The bottom end can have a bottom widthwhen the carton is formed from the blank. In the open configuration ofthe carton formed from the blank, the top end can be at least partiallyopen and the plurality of panels can be positioned so that the openwidth of the top end is greater than the bottom width of the bottom end.In the closed configuration of the carton formed from the blank, the topend can be at least partially closed and the plurality of panels can bepositioned so that the closed width is less than the open width.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method offorming a carton for holding a plurality of containers. The method cancomprise obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels and forminga carton from the blank. The forming the carton can comprise folding theplurality of panels to extend at least partially around an interior ofthe carton. The carton can comprise a top end and a bottom end disposedopposite to the top end, and the bottom end can have a bottom width. Themethod further can comprise configuring the carton in an openconfiguration wherein the top end is at least partially open. Theconfiguring the carton in the open configuration can comprisepositioning the plurality of panels so that the top end has an openwidth that is greater than the bottom width of the bottom end. Themethod also can comprise configuring the carton in a closedconfiguration by at least partially closing the top end and positioningthe plurality of panels so that the top end has a closed width that isless than the open width.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages andother advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments readingthe following detailed description of the embodiments with reference tothe below-listed drawing figures. It is within the scope of the presentdisclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided bothindividually and in various combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to common practice, the various features of the drawingsdiscussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions ofvarious features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reducedto more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton according to afirst exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are detail plan views of respective portions of theblank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a schematic elevation view of a container according to thefirst exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of an arrangement of the containers ofFIG. 2 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a partially-formed carton according to thefirst exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of FIG.1 in an open configuration according to the first exemplary embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of the carton of FIG. 5 in the openconfiguration.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are elevation views of the carton of FIG. 5 in the openconfiguration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carto of FIG. 5 in a closedconfiguration according to the first exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton according to asecond exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a detail view of a gusset of the blank of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a detail view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 10showing the formed gusset of FIG. 11 according to the second exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton according to athird exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbersthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons that containarticles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. The articles can beused for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The articlescan be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging theparticular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are notlimited to, aluminum and/or other metals; glass; plastics such as PET,LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or anycombination thereof.

Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles ofany shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose oflimiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed descriptiondescribes beverage containers (e.g., glass beverage bottles) as disposedwithin the carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms “inner,”“interior,” “outer,” “exterior,” “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top”indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected andupright cartons.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the exterior side 1 of a blank, generallyindicated at 3, used to form a carton 5 (FIGS. 5-9) according to a firstexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The carton 5 can be used tohouse a plurality of articles such as containers C (FIGS. 2 and 3). Inone embodiment, the containers are bottles having a wide bottom portionBP and a narrow top or neck N. In the illustrated embodiment, the carton5 is sized to house twelve containers C in a single layer in a 3×4arrangement, but it is understood that the carton 5 may be sized andshaped to hold containers of a different or same quantity in more thanone layer and/or in different row/column arrangements (e.g., 1×6, 2×6,4×6, 3×8, 2×6×2, 3×4×2, 2×9, 3×6, etc.), or just a single article. Inone embodiment, the carton 5 includes handle features, generallyindicated at 11, for forming a handle 12 (FIG. 9) for grasping andcarrying the carton. In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 5 isconfigurable between an open or top-loading configuration 101 (FIGS.5-8) and a closed configuration 102 (FIG. 9).

The blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 extending generally in thedirection of the length of the blank and a lateral axis L2 extendinggenerally in the direction of the width of the blank. The blank 3includes a first side panel 23 foldably connected to a first end panel25 at a lateral fold line 27. A second side panel 31 is foldablyconnected to the first end panel 25 at a lateral fold line 33. A secondend panel 37 is foldably connected to second side panel 31 at a lateralfold line 39. An attachment panel 41 is foldably connected to the firstside panel 23 at a lateral fold line 43. Alternatively, the attachmentpanel 41 could be foldably connected to the second end panel 37. In theillustrated embodiment, the lateral fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43 extendgenerally in the lateral direction L2; however, as described in moredetail below, one or more of the lateral fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43 canbe at least partially oblique with respect to the lateral direction L2.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, the first side panel 23 is furtherfoldably connected to the first end panel 25 by a first gusset 45, thefirst end panel 25 is further foldably connected to the second sidepanel 31 by a second gusset 47, the second side panel 31 is furtherfoldably connected to the second end panel 37 by a third gusset 49, andthe attachment panel 41 is further foldably connected to the first sidepanel 23 by a fourth gusset 51. In the illustrated embodiment, each ofthe gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 can include a first gusset panel 53 foldablyconnected to a second gusset panel 55 along a first gusset fold line 57,which can be generally collinear with a respective one of the lateralfold lines 27, 33, 39, 43. In one embodiment, each of the first gussetpanels 53 can be foldably connected to one of the first side panel 23and the second side panel 31 along a second gusset fold line 59, andeach of the second gusset panels 55 can be foldably connected to one ofthe first end panel 25, the second end panel 37, and the attachmentpanel 41 along a third gusset fold line 61. In the illustratedembodiment, the second gusset fold lines 59 and the third gusset foldlines 61 are oblique with respect to the first gusset fold lines 57. Inan exemplary embodiment, the second gusset fold lines 59 and the thirdgusset fold lines 61 can be cut-crease style fold lines and the firstgusset fold lines 57 can include spaced perforations or cuts so that thefirst gusset fold lines 57 are weakened with respect to the secondgusset fold lines 59 and the third gusset fold lines 61. In oneembodiment, the weakened first gusset fold lines 57 can be used as tearlines as described in more detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, the gussets 45, 49, 51 can includerespective gusset openings 131 defined by edges of the gusset panels 53,55 and the respectively adjacent panels 23, 25, 41, 37, 41. In addition,the gusset 47 can include a gusset opening 121 defined by the edges ofthe gusset panels 53, 55 of the gusset 47 and the panels 25, 31. Thegusset opening 121 can be similar to the gusset openings 131 but isenlarged in the illustrated embodiment to cooperate with the dispenserfeatures as described in more detail below. In an alternativeembodiment, the gusset opening 121 can be similar or identical to thegusset openings 131 (e.g., if the dispenser features are omitted). Inthe illustrated embodiment, the gusset panels 53, 55 extend from thegusset openings 121, 131 to a top edge 132 of the respective gussets ata top marginal area of the blank 3 and the gusset panels 53, 55 arespaced apart from the respective lateral fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43 bythe gusset openings 121, 131. The gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 could beotherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured withoutdeparting from the disclosure. For example, the gusset fold lines 57,59, 61 could be any suitable type of fold, score, cut, or crease.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first side panel 23 is foldably connected to afirst side top flap 65 and a first side bottom flap 67. The first endpanel 25 is foldably connected to a first end top flap 69 and a firstend bottom flap 71. The second side panel 31 is foldably connected to asecond side top flap 73 and a second side bottom flap 75. The second endpanel 37 is foldably connected to a second end top flap 77 and a secondend bottom flap 79. When the carton 5 is erected, the top flaps 65, 69,73, 77 close a first (e.g., top) end 81 of the carton (FIG. 9), and thebottom flaps 67, 71, 75, 79 close a second (e.g., bottom) end 83 of thecarton (FIGS. 5-9). In accordance with an alternative embodiment of thepresent disclosure, different panel and flap arrangements can be usedfor at least partially closing the ends 81, 83 of the carton 5.

The top flaps 65, 69, 73, 77 of the top end 81 extend along a first(e.g., top) marginal area 80 of the blank 3, and are foldably connectedat a first longitudinal fold line 85 that extends along the length ofthe blank. The bottom flaps 67, 71, 75, 79 of the bottom end 83 extendalong a second (e.g., bottom) marginal area 82 of the blank 3, and arefoldably connected at a second longitudinal fold line 87 that extendsalong the length of the blank. The longitudinal fold lines 85, 87 maybe, for example, substantially straight, or offset at one or morelocations to account for blank thickness or for other factors. Forexample, the first longitudinal fold line 85 can be interrupted by thegussets 45, 47, 49 as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the topmarginal area 80 and the bottom marginal area 82 can form the respectivetop end 81 and bottom end 83 when the carton 5 is formed. The flaps 65,67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second longitudinal fold line 87 canextend generally in the longitudinal direction L1; however, as shown inFIG. 1, each segment 87 a, 87 b, 87 c, 87 d of the longitudinal foldline 87 can extend at least partially downwardly (e.g., slightlydownwardly) from the respective lateral fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43. Forexample, the segment 87 a and the first lateral fold line 27 can extendat an angle A1 and the segment 87 b and the first lateral fold line 27can extend at an angle A2, wherein the angles Al and A2 are greater than90 degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, the angle A1 is approximately90.45 degrees and the angle A2 is approximately 90.23 degrees. Thelateral fold lines 33, 39, 43 can be similarly or identically configuredwith respect to the segments 87 b, 87 c, 87 d, 87 a. This configurationof the lateral fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43 and the longitudinal fold line87 can result in the carton 5 being wider at its top than at its bottomin the top-loading configuration 101. For example, the blank 3 can havea first bottom dimension D1 a at its bottom (e.g., along the bottommarginal area 82 of the blank 3) and a first top dimension D1 b at itstop (e.g., along the top marginal area 80 of the blank 3), wherein thefirst top dimension D1 b is greater than the first bottom dimension D1a. In one embodiment, the first bottom dimension D1 a can be the spacingbetween the bottom ends of the lateral fold lines 27, 43 or the lengthof the segment 87 a of the longitudinal fold line 87, and the first topdimension D1 b can be the spacing between the first gusset fold lines 57of the gussets 45, 51. Similarly, the blank 3 can have a second bottomdimension D2 a at its bottom (e.g., along the bottom marginal area 82 ofthe blank 3) and a second top dimension D2 b at its top (e.g., along thetop marginal area 80 of the blank 3), wherein the second top dimensionD2 b is greater than the second bottom dimension D2 a. In oneembodiment, the second bottom dimension D1 a can be the spacing betweenthe bottom ends of the lateral fold lines 27, 33 or the length of thesegment 87 b of the longitudinal fold line 87, and the second topdimension D2 b can be the spacing between the first gusset fold lines 57of the gussets 45, 47. In one exemplary embodiment, the first bottomdimension D1 a can be approximately 276.00 millimeters, the first topdimension D1 b can be approximately 280.00 millimeters, the secondbottom dimension D2 a can be approximately 207.00 millimeters, and thesecond top dimension D2 b can be approximately 209.00 millimeters. Theblank 3 can have similar dimensions corresponding to the second sidepanel 31 and the second end panel 37 that can be similarly oridentically configured to the dimensions associated with the respectivefirst side panel 23 and first end panel 25. Any of the panels 23, 25,31, 37, 41 and/or the fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43, 85, 87 could beotherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured withoutdeparting from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 3 can include dispenser features 117 forforming a dispenser in the carton 5. In the illustrated embodiment, thedispenser features 117 can include a tear strip 119 (e.g., in at leastthe second side panel 31) and the gusset opening 121 of the gusset 47can act as an access feature at one end of the tear strip 119. In oneembodiment, the gusset opening 121 acting as the access feature canfacilitate initial tearing of the tear strip 119. In the illustratedembodiment, the dispenser features 117 further can include at least aportion of the first gusset fold lines 57 of one or more of the gussets45, 47, 49, 51, wherein one or more of the first gusset fold lines 57can be in the form of a perforated tear line. The dispenser features 117could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, andconfigured without departing from the disclosure. For example, thedispenser features could include additional tear lines and/or break-awayglue features for further forming the dispenser opening.

As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 3 can include a window 123 for viewing thecontainers C in the interior of the carton 5. In an exemplaryembodiment, the window 123 can include an aperture in the second sidepanel 31. In one embodiment, the window 123 could remain open or couldbe at least partially covered by a transparent or translucent material(not shown). The window could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned,and configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 3 can also include an intermediatelongitudinal fold line 133 extending across the first side panel 23 andthe end panels 25, 37. The fold line 133 can have portions that areangled with respect to one another similarly to the fold line 87, asdescribed in more detail above. The fold line 133 could be omitted orcould be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and configured withoutdeparting from the disclosure. For example, the fold line 133 could alsoextend across the second side panel 31 (e.g., adjacent the dispenserfeature 117 or in the case that the dispenser features 117 are omitted).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the handle features 11 that form the handle12 can include an inner handle panel 135 a at least partially defined bycut or tear lines 137 a extending to an edge of the first side top flap65 and extending across the fold line 85 and into the first side panel23. Curved cuts at the ends of the tear lines 137 a in the first sidepanel 23 can act as tear stops to help prevent unwanted tearing of thefirst side panel 23 when the carton 5 is grasped at the handle 12. Inthe illustrated embodiment, inner comfort flaps 139 a can be foldablyconnected to the inner handle panel 135 a along fold lines 141 a andinner tabs 143 a can be foldably connected to the first side top flap 65along fold lines 145 a. In one embodiment, the fold lines 141 a caninclude spaced cuts and a crease at one end and the fold lines 145 a caninclude spaced cuts as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A. The inner comfort flaps139 a can be separable from the first side top flap 65 and the innertabs 143 a along a cut or tear line 147 a and the inner tabs 143 a canbe separable from the first side top flap 65 along tear or cut lines 149a, which can include curved tear stops as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the handle features 11 further can includeopenings 151 on either side of the inner handle panel 135 a and adjacentthe inner comfort flaps 139 a and inner tabs 143 a.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1B, the handle features 11 also can include anouter handle panel 135 b at least partially defined by cut or tear lines137 b extending to an edge of the second side top flap 73 and extendingacross the fold line 85 and into the second side panel 31. Curved cutsat the ends of the tear lines 137 b in the second side panel 31 can actas tear stops to help prevent unwanted tearing of the second side panel31 when the carton 5 is grasped at the handle 12. In the illustratedembodiment, outer comfort flaps 139 b can be foldably connected to theouter handle panel 135 b along fold lines 141 b and outer tabs 143 b canbe foldably connected to the second side top flap 73 along fold lines145 b. In one embodiment, the fold lines 141 b can be cut-crease stylefold lines and the fold lines 145 b can include spaced cuts as shown inFIGS. 1 and 1B. The outer comfort flaps 139 b can be separable from thesecond side top flap 73 and the outer tabs 143 b along a cut or tearline 147 b and the outer tabs 143 b can be separable from the secondside top flap 73 along tear or cut lines 149 b, which can include curvedtear stops as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1B. In the illustrated embodiment,each of the outer comfort flaps 139 b can include an enlarged portion153 at least partially defined by a curved (e.g., arc-shaped) portion ofthe tear line 147 b. Any of the handle features 11 could be omitted orcould be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and configured withoutdeparting from the disclosure.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the blank 3 can be erectedinto the carton 5 by folding the blank 3 along fold lines 27, 33, 39,and 43 and overlapping the attachment panel 41 with the second end panel37. In one embodiment, the second end panel 37 can have a cutout or edgeconfigured to extend along the third gusset fold line 61 of the gusset51 at the attachment panel 41. As shown in FIG. 4, the blank 3 can befolded along fold lines 27, 39 and along the fold lines 57 of thegussets 45, 49 so that the first side panel 23 is in an overlappingrelationship with at least a portion of the first end panel 25 and thesecond side panel 31 and the second end panel 37 is in an overlappingrelationship with at least a portion of the second side panel 31 and theattachment panel 41, which can be glued to the second end panel 37 toform an open-ended sleeve. The open-ended sleeve can be folded along thefold lines 27, 33, 39, 43 to move the side panels 23, 31 to be disposedopposite one another and the end panels 25, 37 to be disposed oppositeone another, and the bottom end 83 of the carton 5 can be closed byrespectively overlapping and adhering the bottom flaps 67, 71, 75, 79(FIGS. 5, 6, and 9). The carton 5 having a closed bottom 83 and open top81 is in the top-loading configuration 101 according to one embodiment(e.g., FIGS. 5-8).

In the top-loading configuration, the carton 5 can be ready to receivean arrangement 103 of the containers C (FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, thearrangement 103 can have a first dimension X and a second dimension Y,wherein the dimension X is generally equal to the width (e.g., diameter)W of the containers C times the number of rows of containers and thedimension Y is generally equal to the width W times the number ofcolumns of containers.

In one embodiment, the carton 5 can be at least partially tapered at theside panels 23, 31 and end panels 25, 37 so that the carton 5 is widerat the top end 81 than at the bottom end 83 in the top-loadingconfiguration 101. Accordingly, the top flaps 65, 69, 73, 77 can bespaced outwardly at the top end 81 of the carton, generally out of theway of the loading of the containers C. In the illustrated embodiment,the first bottom dimension D1 a of the blank 3 corresponds to a firstbottom width D1 a (FIG. 7) of the carton 5 and the first top dimensionD1 b of the blank 3 corresponds to a first open width D1 b (FIG. 7) ofthe carton 5 in the top-loading configuration 101. Similarly, the secondbottom dimension D2 a of the blank 3 corresponds to a second bottomwidth D2 a (FIG. 8) of the carton 5 and the second top dimension D2 b ofthe blank 3 corresponds to a second open width D2 b (FIG. 8) of thecarton 5 in the top-loading configuration 101. In one embodiment, thesecond open width D2 b of the carton 5 includes the first end panel 25and its adjoining gusset panels 55 of the gussets 45, 47 and, on theopposing side of the carton 5, the second open width D2 b includes thesecond end panel 37, the adjoining gusset panel 55 of the gusset 49 andthe gusset panel 55 of the gusset 51 when the attachment panel 41 isadhered in face-to-face contact with the second end panel 37 so that thesecond open width D2 b is the same at both end panels 25, 37. As shownin the figures, the first widths D1 a, D1 b of the carton 5 are longerthan the respective second widths D2 a, D2 b and the first widths D1 a,D1 b are perpendicular to the second widths D2 a, D2 b. The widths D1 a,D2 a, D1 b, D2 b could be otherwise configured without departing fromthe disclosure. For example, the carton 5 could be configured so thatthe first widths D1 a, D1 b are equal to the respective second widths D2a, D2 b or the second widths are longer than the respective firstwidths, for example.

In one embodiment, the first bottom width D1 a can be less than thedimension X and the first open width D1 b can be approximately equal tothe dimension X in the top-loading configuration 101. Similarly, thesecond bottom width D2 a can be less than the dimension Y and the secondopen width D2 b can be approximately equal to the dimension Y in thetop-loading configuration 101. Accordingly, the side panels 23, 31 canbe spaced apart by less than the dimension Y (e.g., by the second bottomwidth D2 a) at the bottom end 83 of the carton 5 and the end panels 25,37 can be spaced apart by less than the dimension X (e.g., by the firstbottom width D1 a) at the bottom end 83. Additionally, the side panels23, 31 can be spaced apart by approximately the dimension Y (e.g., bythe second open width D2 b) at the top end 81 and the end panels 25, 37can be spaced apart by approximately the dimension X (e.g., by the firstopen width D1 b) at the top end 81 in the top-loading configuration 101.

As the arrangement 103 of containers C is loaded into the carton 5, thearrangement 103 can move past the first longitudinal fold line 85 wherethe first open width D1 b and second open width D2 b of the carton 5 areapproximately the same as the respective length X and width Y of thearrangement 103 in the top-loading configuration 101 so that thecontainers easily move into the interior 105 of the carton 5. As thearrangement 103 continues to move into the interior 105 towards thebottom 83, the side panels 23, 31 and the end panels 25, 37 taperinwardly (e.g., according to the angles A1, A2 of the lateral fold lines27, 33, 39, 43 with respect to the second longitudinal fold line 87)until the containers C engage the bottom 83 of the carton 5. Thedimensions of the carton at the bottom 83 are smaller than thedimensions of the arrangement 103 (e.g., the first bottom widths D1 aand the second bottom width D2 a are smaller than the respectivedimensions X, Y) so that the carton fits tightly around the arrangement103. This configuration can help retain the containers C in the carton 5and can help limit or eliminate movement of the containers C in thecarton, wherein movement could otherwise result in rattling and/orbreaking of the containers. The tight fit of the carton at its bottomcan also help avoid reorientation (e.g., turning) of the containers inthe carton (e.g., the containers can be orientated so that the labelsare facing a particular direction in the container, such as to bevisible through the window 123 in the carton). The containers C could beotherwise loaded into the carton 5 without departing from thedisclosure.

After the containers C are loaded into the carton 5, the gussets 45, 47,49, 51 can be folded along the first gusset fold lines 57 so that thegusset panels 53, 55 of each gusset are positioned at least partially inface-to-face contact. Further, the gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 can be foldedalong the second gusset fold line 59 or the third gusset fold line 61against the adjacent side panel 23, 41 or the adjacent end panel 25, 37or attachment panel 41. In one embodiment, the gusset panels 53, 55 canbe glued together, the gusset panels 53 can be glued to the side panels23, 31, and/or the gusset panels 55 can be glued to the end panels 25,31 or the attachment panel 41 in each of the gussets. The top 81 of thecarton can be closed by respectively overlapping and adhering the topflaps 65, 67, 73, 77. In one embodiment, the top 81 can be closed andthe gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 can be folded at the same time or in anysuitable sequence. The carton 5 is shown in the closed configuration 102having folded gussets and a closed top in FIG. 9. The carton 5 could beotherwise formed and/or closed without departing from the disclosure.

Once the gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 are folded, the side panels 23, 31 andthe end panels 25, 37 can extend generally vertically from the bottom 83to a point that is generally aligned with the shoulders S of thecontainers (FIG. 2) (e.g., proximate to the lowermost ends of thegussets 45, 47, 49, 51 and/or along the fold line 133). As shown in FIG.9, the top wall formed by the top flaps 65, 69, 73, 77 can be smallerthan the bottom wall formed from the bottom flaps 67, 71, 75, 79 and theupper portion of the carton 5 can be tapered inwardly from the shouldersS and/or the fold line 133 to the top wall to fit more tightly aroundthe narrower tops N of the containers C. Accordingly, in the closedconfiguration 102 of the carton 5, the panels 23, 25, 31, 37 arepositioned so that the top end 81 has a first closed width D1 c and asecond closed width D2 c (FIG. 9). In one embodiment, the first closedwidth D1 c is less than the first open width D1 b and the second closedwidth D2 c is less than the second open width D2 b. In addition, asshown in FIG. 9, the first closed width D1 c is less than the firstbottom width D1 a and the second closed width D2 c is less than thesecond bottom width D2 a due to the inwardly-tapering upper portions ofthe panels. As shown in FIG. 9, the closed widths D1 c, D2 c areperpendicular to one another in one embodiment. The closed widths D1 c,D2 c of the top end 81 could be otherwise configured without departingfrom the disclosure. In one embodiment the bottom widths D1 a, D2 a ofthe carton 5 can remain the same (e.g., substantially or approximatelythe same) when the carton is in the top-loading configuration 101 and inthe closed configuration 102. Alternatively, the bottom widths couldchange when the carton is closed.

In one embodiment, the fold line 133 can be at least partially alignedwith the shoulders S of the containers C (FIG. 2) so that the fold line133 forms shoulder creases in each of the first side panel 23 and endpanels 25, 37 that can allow the upper portions of the panels 23, 25, 37to fold inwardly with respect to the lower portions of the respectivepanels adjacent the shoulders S of the containers C (FIG. 9). In oneembodiment, the upper portion of the second side panel 31 can also foldinwardly with respect to its lower portion similarly to panels 23, 25,37 even though the fold line 133 does not extend across the second sidepanel 31 in the blank 3 illustrated in FIG. 1. The inwardly-taperingupper portion of the carton 5 can help to retain or more tightly packthe narrow top portions N of the containers in the carton and the foldline 133 can help facilitate the folding of the upper portions of thepanels with respect to their lower portions.

In one embodiment, portions of the carton 5 can flex and/or stretcharound portions of the containers C. In one embodiment, at least thelateral fold lines 33, 43 can be weakened fold lines (e.g., can becut-crease fold lines as shown in FIG. 1) to facilitate the reshaping ofthe carton from the top-loading configuration 103 with the wider top 81(FIG. 4) to the fully closed configuration with the generally verticallower portions of the sides and ends (FIG. 9). In addition, in oneembodiment, the grain direction G can be configured to run generally inthe lateral L2 direction in the blank (e.g., vertically in the sides andends in the carton) to allow the carton to bow outward and give morespace for product clearance (e.g., to flex around portions of thecontainers C). Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the grain directionG can facilitate the top flaps 65, 69, 73, 77 to bend inwardly. In analternative embodiment, one or more of the panels 23, 25, 31, 37 can begenerally vertical from the bottom 83 to the top 81 of the carton 5.

When the top 81 of the carton 5 is closed, the second side top flap 73can overlap the first side top flap 65 so that the handle features 11(FIGS. 1-7) form the handle 12 (FIG. 9). In the illustrated embodiment,the outer handle panel 135 b, the outer comfort flaps 139 b, and theouter tabs 143 b can at least partially overlap the respective innerhandle panel 135 a, inner comfort flaps 139 a, and inner tabs 143 a, andthe enlarged portions 153 of the outer comfort flaps 139 b can be atleast partially aligned with the openings 151 in the first side top flap65 so that the openings 151 can provide clearance for the enlargedportions 153 to fold inwardly when the handle is actuated. In oneembodiment, at least the handle panels 135 a, 135 b can be gluedtogether and portions of the side top flaps 65, 73 outside the handlefeatures 11 can be glued together. The handle 12 could be otherwiseformed without departing from the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the handle 12 can be actuated so that one can graspthe handle to carry the carton 5 by pushing inwardly on one or both ofthe outer comfort flaps 139 b and the outer tabs 143 b on one or bothsides of the outer handle panel 135 b with the fingers of a hand. Theouter comfort flaps 139 b and the outer tabs 143 b can push inwardly onthe inner comfort flaps 139 a and the inner tabs 143 a so that thecomfort flaps 139 b, 139 a and the tabs 143 b, 143 a at least partiallyseparate from one another and from the side top flaps 73, 65 and foldinwardly along the fold lines 139 b, 139 a, 145 b, 145 a. When the tabs143 b, 143 a and the comfort flaps 139 b, 139 a are folded inwardly, anenlarged opening is formed in the top flaps 73, 65 for the hand to graspthe handle panels 135 b, 135 a. After folding the comfort flaps and tabsinwardly, the hand can grasp the overlapped handle panels 135 b, 135 aon one or both sides of the handle panels and pull upwardly, at leastpartially separating the handle panels 135 b, 135 a from the side topflaps 73, 65 and/or the side panels 31, 23 along the tear lines 137 b,137 a while the handle panels 135 b, 135 a remain attached to at leastthe side panels 31, 23 so that the carton 5 can be lifted and carried bythe handle 12. The handle 12 could be otherwise actuated withoutdeparting from the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the dispenser features 117 can be actuated in thecarton 5 to form a dispenser opening (not shown) in the carton 5 bytearing the tear strip 119 from the access feature of the gusset opening121 across the second side panel 31. The dispenser features 117 can befurther actuated by pulling upwardly on the dispenser to tear along theweakened first gusset fold lines 57 of one or more of the gussets 45,47, 49, 51. The dispenser features 117 could be otherwise actuatedwithout departing from the disclosure.

The carton 5 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/orconfigured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exterior surface 201 of a blank 203 forforming a carton 205 (FIG. 12) according to a second embodiment of thedisclosure. The second embodiment is generally similar to the firstembodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar oridentical features of the embodiments have been given like or similarreference numbers. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the blank 203 caninclude a gusset 245 with a one-way fold feature 311. In one embodiment,the one-way fold feature can include a tab 313 that can interrupt thefirst gusset fold line 258 of the gusset 245. In the illustratedembodiment, the tab 313 can be at least partially defined by a cut 315,which can have a generally vertical portion and curved or angled ends.As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the tab 313 extends from the first gussetpanel 53 and is separable from the second gusset panel 55 along the cut315. In one embodiment, the tab 313 can be configured to resist outwardfolding of the gusset 245 at the first gusset fold line 258 whileallowing the gusset 245 to fold inwardly as shown in FIG. 12.Accordingly, the one-way fold feature 311 can help avoid undesirableoutward folding of the gusset. The gusset 245 could be otherwise shaped,arranged, positioned, and configured without departing from thedisclosure. Further, any of the gussets 247, 249, 251 could include aone-way fold feature similar or identical to the gusset 245.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the gussets 245, 249, 251 can include acurved fold line or tear line 263 extending from the bottom ends of thegusset fold lines 59, 61 so that the first gusset panels 53 are foldablyconnected to the side panels 223, 231 at the curved lines 263 and thesecond gusset panels 55 are foldably connected to the end panels 225,237 at the curved lines 263. In an alternative embodiment, the gussetopening 121 can be omitted in the gusset 47 and the gusset 47 caninclude a curved line 263 extending from the ends of the 59, 61 (e.g.,in an embodiment wherein the dispenser features 117 are omitted).

In one embodiment, the handle features 211 of the blank 203 can includetwo handle flaps 289 foldably connected to a handle grip portion 291 ofthe top side flap 273 along respective fold lines 293. The handle flaps289 can be at least partially separable from the side top flap 273 alonga respective cut or tear line 295. The handle features 211 further caninclude two handle openings 297 in the side top flap 265 extending oneither side of a handle grip portion 299 of the side top flap 265 andtwo inner handle flaps 325 foldably connected to the handle grip portion299 of the side top flap 265 adjacent the handle openings 297 along foldlines 327. When the handle (not shown) is formed from the handlefeatures 211 in the carton 205 (e.g., when the top flaps 265, 273 areoverlapped to at least partially close the top end of the carton 205),the handle grip portions 291, 299 can be overlapped, the handle flaps289 can at least partially overlap the inner handle flaps 325, and thehandle flaps 289 can be generally aligned with the respective handleopenings 297. Accordingly, the handle formed from the handle features211 can be grasped by folding the handle flaps 289, 325 inwardly andgripping the handle grip portions 291, 299. The handle features 211could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, andconfigured without departing from the disclosure.

The blank 203 and the carton 205 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an exterior surface 401 of a blank 403 forforming a carton (not shown) according to a third embodiment of thedisclosure. The third embodiment is generally similar to the priorembodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar oridentical features of the embodiments have been given like or similarreference numbers. As shown in FIG. 13, the dispenser features 117 andthe window 123 are omitted in the second side panel 431 of the blank403. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 403 can include gussets445, 447, 449, 451, wherein the second gusset fold line 59 and the thirdgusset fold line 61 in each gusset 445, 447, 449, 451 can be connectedat their lower ends by a respective curved cut 463 so that the secondgusset fold line 59, the third gusset fold line 61, and the cut 463generally form a U- or V-shaped fold. In the illustrated embodiment,each of the gusset fold lines 57, 59, 61 can be a cut-crease fold line.The gussets 445, 247, 449, 451 could be omitted or could be otherwiseshaped, arranged, positioned, and configured without departing from thedisclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handle features 411 of the blank 403can include two handle flaps 489 foldably connected to a handle gripportion 491 of the top side flap 273 along respective fold lines 493.The handle flaps 489 can be at least partially separable from the sidetop flap 273 along a respective cut or tear line 495. The handlefeatures 411 further can include two handle openings 497 in the side topflap 265 extending on either side of a handle grip portion 499 of theside top flap 265. When the handle (not shown) is formed from the handlefeatures 411 (e.g., when the top flaps 265, 273 are overlapped to atleast partially close the top end of the carton), the handle gripportions 491, 499 can be overlapped and the handle flaps 489 can begenerally aligned with the respective handle openings 497. Accordingly,the handle formed from the handle features 411 can be grasped by foldingthe handle flaps 489 inwardly through the handle openings 497 andgripping the handle grip portions 491, 499. The handle features 411could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configuredwithout departing from the disclosure.

The blank 403 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/orconfigured without departing from the disclosure.

Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can becombined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other featuresof other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scopeof this disclosure.

The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example,formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, theinterior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a claycoating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product,advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanksmay then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed onthe blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisturebarrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance withthe above-described embodiments, the blanks may be constructed ofpaperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid thanordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials,such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having propertiessuitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally asdescribed herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one ormore sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although notnecessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates foldingtherealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing thescope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, suchas lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates acrushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; acut that extends partially into a material along the desired line ofweakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/orcompletely through the material along the desired line of weakness; andvarious combinations of these features.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partiallyinto the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series ofspaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely throughthe material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinationsof these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is inthe form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completelythrough the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly sothat a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material)is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarilyconnecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are brokenduring tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relativelysmall percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can beomitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is acontinuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the presentdisclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuousslit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit orcould be wider than a slit without departing from the presentdisclosure.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panelsadhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. Theterm “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonlyused to secure carton panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describesvarious embodiments. As various changes could be made in the aboveconstruction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosurecovers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of theabove-described embodiments that are within the scope of the claims.Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selectedembodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use invarious other combinations, modifications, and environments and iscapable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventiveconcept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings,and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore,certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may beselectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated andnon-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A carton for holding a plurality of containers,the carton is configurable between an open configuration and a closedconfiguration, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels that extendsat least partially around an interior of the carton; a top end, the topend having an open width in the open configuration and a closed width inthe closed configuration; a bottom end disposed opposite to the top end,the bottom end having a bottom width; in the open configuration, the topend is at least partially open and the plurality of panels is positionedso that the open width of the top end is greater than the bottom widthof the bottom end; and in the closed configuration, the top end is atleast partially closed and the plurality of panels is positioned so thatthe closed width is less than the open width.
 2. The carton of claim 1,wherein the open width is a first open width, the bottom width is afirst bottom width, the bottom end has a second bottom width, the topend has a second open width in the open configuration, the second bottomwidth and the second open width are perpendicular to the first bottomwidth and the first open width, and the plurality of panels arepositioned so that the second open width of the top end is greater thanthe second bottom width of the bottom end in the open configuration. 3.The carton of claim 2, wherein the closed width is a first closed width,the top end has a second closed width in the closed configuration, thesecond closed width is perpendicular to the first closed width, and theplurality of panels are positioned so that the first closed width andsecond closed width of the top end are less than the respective firstbottom width and the second bottom width of the bottom end in the closedconfiguration.
 4. The carton of claim 2, wherein an arrangement ofcontainers is positioned in the interior of the carton, the arrangementcomprises a first dimension that is parallel to the first bottom widthand a second dimension that is parallel to the second bottom width, thefirst bottom width is less than the first dimension, and the secondbottom width is less than the second dimension.
 5. The carton of claim4, wherein the first dimension of the arrangement is equal to the firstopen width of the top end in the open configuration and the seconddimension of the arrangement is equal to the second open width of thetop end in the open configuration.
 6. The carton of claim 1, wherein theplurality of panels comprises a first panel foldably connected to asecond panel along a lateral fold line, the bottom end comprises a firstbottom end flap foldably connected to the first panel along a firstsegment of a longitudinal fold line and a second bottom end flapfoldably connected to the second panel along a second segment of thelongitudinal fold line, the first segment and the second segment extendat a respective first angle and second angle with respect to the lateralfold line, and each of the first angle and the second angle is greaterthan 90 degrees in the open configuration.
 7. The carton of claim 6,wherein each panel of the plurality of panels has a grain directionextending vertically between the top end and the bottom end.
 8. Thecarton of claim 6, wherein the lateral fold line is a first lateral foldline, the plurality of panels further comprises a third panel foldablyconnected to the second panel along a second lateral fold line, a fourthpanel foldably connected to the third panel along a third lateral foldline, and an attachment panel foldably connected to the first panelalong a fourth lateral fold line, the second lateral fold line and thefourth lateral fold line are opposite one another in the carton, and thesecond lateral fold line and the fourth lateral fold line are weakenedfold lines.
 9. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panelscomprises a first panel foldably connected to a second panel at agusset.
 10. The carton of claim 9, wherein the first panel and thesecond panel are further foldably connected along a lateral fold lineextending from the bottom end to the gusset.
 11. The carton of claim 9,wherein the gusset comprises a first gusset panel foldably connected toa second gusset panel along a first gusset fold line, the first gussetpanel is foldably connected to the first panel along a second gussetfold line, and the second gusset panel is foldably connected to thesecond panel along a third gusset fold line.
 12. The carton of claim 11,wherein the second gusset fold line and the third gusset fold line areoblique and extend from the top end of the carton.
 13. The carton ofclaim 11, wherein the gusset comprises a gusset opening, and the firstgusset panel and the second gusset panel extend from the top end of thecarton to the gusset opening.
 14. The carton of claim 13, wherein thefirst panel and the second panel are further foldably connected along alateral fold line extending from the bottom end to the gusset opening,and the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel are spaced fromthe lateral fold line by the gusset opening.
 15. The carton of claim 11,wherein the second gusset fold line and the third gusset fold lineextend from respective ends of a curved fold line to the top end of thecarton, and the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel arefoldably connected to the respective first panel and second panel alongthe curved fold line.
 16. The carton of claim 11, wherein the gussetcomprises a one-way fold feature comprising a tab extending from thefirst gusset panel and being separable from the second gusset panelalong a cut line, and the tab at least partially interrupts the firstgusset fold line.
 17. The carton of claim 11, wherein the second gussetfold line and the third gusset fold line extend from respective ends ofa curved cut to the top end of the carton, and the first gusset paneland the second gusset panel are separable from the respective firstpanel and second panel along the curved cut.
 18. The carton of claim 9,wherein a tear strip extends at least partially across the first panel,the tear strip comprises an access feature for facilitating initialtearing of the tear strip, the gusset extends from the access feature tothe top end of the carton, and the access feature comprises an aperturein the carton.
 19. The carton of claim 9, wherein the gusset is a firstgusset, the plurality of panels further comprises a third panel foldablyconnected to the second panel at a second gusset, a fourth panelfoldably connected to the third panel at a third gusset, and anattachment panel foldably connected to the first panel at a fourthgusset, the fourth panel at least partially overlaps the attachmentpanel so that the fourth gusset extends between the first panel and thefourth panel, and each of the first gusset, the second gusset, the thirdgusset, and the fourth gusset extends from the top end of the carton andis spaced from the bottom end of the carton.
 20. The carton of claim 1,further comprising a handle in at least the top end.
 21. The carton ofclaim 20, wherein the top end comprises at least a top flap foldablyconnected to a panel of the plurality of panels, the handle comprises ahandle panel extending in the top flap, a first comfort flap and asecond comfort flap foldably connected to opposite sides of the handlepanel, a first tab foldably connected to the top flap, and a second tabfoldably connected to the top flap, and the first tab and the second tabare separable from the respective first comfort flap and second comfortflap along respective tear lines.
 22. The carton of claim 20, whereinthe top end comprises at least a first top flap and a second top flapfoldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, thehandle comprises an inner handle panel extending in at least the firsttop flap and an outer handle panel extending in at least the second topflap, and the outer handle panel at least partially overlaps the innerhandle panel in the closed configuration.
 23. The carton of claim 22,wherein the inner handle panel is foldably connected to an inner comfortflap, the outer handle panel is foldably connected to an outer comfortflap that at least partially overlaps the inner comfort flap in theclosed configuration, the handle further comprises an inner tab foldablyconnected to the first top flap and an outer tab foldably connected tothe second top flap, the outer tab at least partially overlaps the innertab in the closed configuration, and the inner tab and the outer tab areat least partially separable from the respective inner comfort flap andouter comfort flap along respective tear lines.
 24. The carton of claim22, wherein the inner handle panel is at least partially separable fromthe first top flap along at least an inner tear line, and the outerhandle panel is at least partially separable from the second top flapalong at least an outer tear line.
 25. The carton of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of panels are positioned so that the closed width of thetop end is less than the bottom width of the bottom end in the closedconfiguration.
 26. The carton of claim 1, wherein an arrangement ofcontainers is positioned in the interior of the carton, the arrangementcomprises a dimension that is parallel to the bottom width of the bottomend, the bottom width of the bottom end is less than the dimension ofthe arrangement, and the open width of the top end is equal to thedimension of the arrangement in the open configuration.
 27. A blank forforming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton beingconfigurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration,the blank comprising: a plurality of panels; a top marginal area forforming a top end when the carton is formed from the blank, the top endhaving an open width in the open configuration and a closed width in theclosed configuration when the carton is formed from the blank; a bottommarginal area for forming a bottom end disposed opposite to the top endwhen the carton is formed from the blank, the bottom end having a bottomwidth when the carton is formed from the blank; in the openconfiguration of the carton formed from the blank, the top end is atleast partially open and the plurality of panels is positioned so thatthe open width of the top end is greater than the bottom width of thebottom end; and in the closed configuration of the carton formed fromthe blank, the top end is at least partially closed and the plurality ofpanels is positioned so that the closed width is less than the openwidth.
 28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the plurality of panelscomprises a first panel foldably connected to a second panel along alateral fold line, the blank comprises a first bottom end flap and asecond bottom end flap along the bottom marginal area, the first bottomend flap is foldably connected to the first panel along a first segmentof a longitudinal fold line, the second bottom end flap is foldablyconnected to the second panel along a second segment of the longitudinalfold line, the first segment and the second segment extend at arespective first angle and second angle with respect to the lateral foldline, and each of the first angle and the second angle is greater than90 degrees in the open configuration.
 29. The blank of claim 28, whereineach panel of the plurality of panels has a grain direction extending ina lateral direction between the top marginal area and the bottommarginal area.
 30. The blank of claim 28, wherein the lateral fold lineis a first lateral fold line, the plurality of panels further comprisesa third panel foldably connected to the second panel along a secondlateral fold line, a fourth panel foldably connected to the third panelalong a third lateral fold line, and an attachment panel foldablyconnected to the first panel along a fourth lateral fold line, thesecond lateral fold line and the fourth lateral fold line are for beingpositioned opposite one another in the carton formed from the blank, andthe second lateral fold line and the fourth lateral fold line areweakened fold lines.
 31. The blank of claim 27, wherein the plurality ofpanels comprises a first panel foldably connected to a second panel at agusset.
 32. The blank of claim 31, wherein the first panel and thesecond panel are further foldably connected along a lateral fold lineextending from the bottom marginal area of the blank to the gusset. 33.The blank of claim 31, wherein the gusset comprises a first gusset panelfoldably connected to a second gusset panel along a first gusset foldline, the first gusset panel is foldably connected to the first panelalong a second gusset fold line, and the second gusset panel is foldablyconnected to the second panel along a third gusset fold line.
 34. Theblank of claim 33, wherein the second gusset fold line and the thirdgusset fold line are oblique and extend from the top marginal area ofthe blank.
 35. The blank of claim 33, wherein the gusset comprises agusset opening, and the first gusset panel and the second gusset panelextend from the top marginal area of the blank to the gusset opening.36. The blank of claim 35, wherein the first panel and the second panelare further foldably connected along a lateral fold line extending fromthe bottom marginal area of the blank to the gusset opening, and thefirst gusset panel and the second gusset panel are spaced from thelateral fold line by the gusset opening.
 37. The blank of claim 33,wherein the second gusset fold line and the third gusset fold lineextend from respective ends of a curved fold line to the top marginalarea of the blank, and the first gusset panel and the second gussetpanel are foldably connected to the respective first panel and secondpanel along the curved fold line.
 38. The blank of claim 33, wherein thegusset comprises a one-way fold feature comprising a tab extending fromthe first gusset panel and being separable from the second gusset panelalong a cut line, and the tab at least partially interrupts the firstgusset fold line.
 39. The blank of claim 33, wherein the second gussetfold line and the third gusset fold line extend from respective ends ofa curved cut to the top marginal area of the blank, and the first gussetpanel and the second gusset panel are separable from the respectivefirst panel and second panel along the curved cut.
 40. The blank ofclaim 31, wherein a tear strip extends at least partially across thefirst panel, the tear strip comprises an access feature for facilitatinginitial tearing of the tear strip, the gusset extends from the accessfeature to the top marginal area of the blank, and the access featurecomprises an aperture in the carton.
 41. The blank of claim 31, whereinthe gusset is a first gusset, the plurality of panels further comprisesa third panel foldably connected to the second panel at a second gusset,a fourth panel foldably connected to the third panel at a third gusset,and an attachment panel foldably connected to the first panel at afourth gusset, and each of the first gusset, the second gusset, thethird gusset, and the fourth gusset extends from the top marginal areaof the blank and is spaced from the bottom marginal area of the blank.42. The blank of claim 27, further comprising handle features for atleast partially forming a handle in at least the top end of the cartonformed from the blank.
 43. The blank of claim 42, wherein the blankcomprises at least a top flap foldably connected to a panel of theplurality of panels along the top marginal area of the blank, the handlefeatures comprise a handle panel extending in the top flap, a firstcomfort flap and a second comfort flap foldably connected to oppositesides of the handle panel, a first tab foldably connected to the topflap, and a second tab foldably connected to the top flap, and the firsttab and the second tab are separable from the respective first comfortflap and second comfort flap along respective tear lines.
 44. The blankof claim 42, wherein the blank comprises at least a first top flap and asecond top flap foldably connected to respective panels of the pluralityof panels along the top marginal area of the blank, the handle featurescomprise an inner handle panel extending in at least the first top flapand an outer handle panel extending in at least the second top flap, andthe outer handle panel is for at least partially overlapping the innerhandle panel in the closed configuration of the carton formed from theblank.
 45. The blank of claim 44, wherein the inner handle panel isfoldably connected to an inner comfort flap, the outer handle panel isfoldably connected to an outer comfort flap that is for at leastpartially overlapping the inner comfort flap in the closed configurationof the carton formed from the blank, the handle features furthercomprise an inner tab foldably connected to the first top flap and anouter tab foldably connected to the second top flap, the outer tab beingfor at least partially overlapping the inner tab in the closedconfiguration of the carton formed from the blank, and the inner tab andthe outer tab are at least partially separable from the respective innercomfort flap and outer comfort flap along respective tear lines.
 46. Theblank of claim 44, wherein the inner handle panel is at least partiallyseparable from the first top flap along at least an inner tear line, andthe outer handle panel is at least partially separable from the secondtop flap along at least an outer tear line.
 47. The blank of claim 27,wherein the plurality of panels are for being positioned so that, whenthe carton is formed from the blank, the closed width of the top end isless than the bottom width of the bottom end in the closed configurationof the carton formed from the blank.
 48. The blank of claim 27, whereinan arrangement of containers is for being positioned in the interior ofthe carton formed from the blank, the arrangement comprises a dimensionthat is parallel to the bottom width of the bottom end when the cartonis formed from the blank, the bottom width of the bottom end of thecarton formed from the blank is for being less than the dimension of thearrangement, and the open width of the top end of the carton formed fromthe blank is for being equal to the dimension of the arrangement in theopen configuration of the carton formed from the blank.
 49. A method forforming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the methodcomprising: obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels; forminga carton from the blank, the forming the carton comprising folding theplurality of panels to extend at least partially around an interior ofthe carton, the carton comprising a top end and a bottom end disposedopposite to the top end, the bottom end having a bottom width;configuring the carton in an open configuration wherein the top end isat least partially open, the configuring the carton in the openconfiguration comprising positioning the plurality of panels so that thetop end has an open width that is greater than the bottom width of thebottom end; and configuring the carton in a closed configuration by atleast partially closing the top end and positioning the plurality ofpanels so that the top end has a closed width that is less than the openwidth.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the configuring the carton inthe closed configuration comprises positioning the plurality of panelsso that the closed width of the top end is less than the bottom width ofthe bottom.
 51. The method of claim 49, further comprising positioningan arrangement of containers in the interior of the carton prior to theconfiguring the carton in the closed configuration, wherein thearrangement comprises a dimension that is parallel to the bottom widthof the bottom end, the bottom width of the bottom end is less than thedimension of the arrangement, and the open width of the top end is equalto the dimension of the arrangement in the open configuration.
 52. Themethod of claim 49, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a firstpanel foldably connected to a second panel at a gusset.
 53. The methodof claim 52, wherein the first panel and the second panel are furtherfoldably connected along a lateral fold line extending from the bottomend to the gusset.
 54. The method of claim 52, wherein the gussetcomprises a first gusset panel foldably connected to a second gussetpanel along a first gusset fold line, the first gusset panel is foldablyconnected to the first panel along a second gusset fold line, and thesecond gusset panel is foldably connected to the second panel along athird gusset fold line.
 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the gussetcomprises a gusset opening, and the first gusset panel and the secondgusset panel extend from the top end of the carton to the gussetopening.
 56. The method of claim 54, wherein the gusset comprises aone-way fold feature comprising a tab extending from the first gussetpanel and being separable from the second gusset panel along a cut line,and the tab at least partially interrupts the first gusset fold line.57. The method of claim 52, wherein the gusset is a first gusset, theplurality of panels further comprises a third panel foldably connectedto the second panel at a second gusset, a fourth panel foldablyconnected to the third panel at a third gusset, and an attachment panelfoldably connected to the first panel at a fourth gusset, and the methodfurther comprises at least partially overlapping the attachment panelwith the fourth panel so that the fourth gusset extends between thefirst panel and the fourth panel, each of the first gusset, the secondgusset, the third gusset, and the fourth gusset extending from the topend of the carton and being spaced from the bottom end of the carton.